Moving to Hurlburt Field
Hurlburt Field is the headquarters of Air Force Special Operations Command and home to the 1st Special Operations Wing, flying AC-130 gunships, CV-22 Ospreys and U-28s. It is a tight-knit special-operations community on the Emerald Coast next to Eglin.
| Branch | Air Force |
|---|---|
| Nearest city | Mary Esther / Fort Walton Beach, FL |
| Airports | Destin-Fort Walton Beach (VPS); Pensacola International (PNS) ~60 mi |
| Climate | Hot humid summers, mild winters, hurricane season June-November. |
| Cost of living | Above the US average, with beach areas pricier. |
| On-base housing | The Mayroad (privatized family housing) |
| Medical care | 1st Special Operations Medical Group, 113 Lielmanis Avenue |
| Family support center | Airman & Family Readiness Center, 220 Lukasik Avenue, Bldg 90213 |
Where families live
Mary Esther
Small town immediately east of the gates with modest homes and short commutes.
Fort Walton Beach
Beach-town living with a wide mix of housing and shopping.
Navarre
Family-friendly area with newer subdivisions and Santa Rosa Sound access.
Destin
Resort area with high prices but plenty to do.
Gulf Breeze
Peninsula community popular with families who prioritize schools.
Schools
There are no DoDEA schools at Hurlburt; most families use Okaloosa County schools, with Santa Rosa County for areas west like Navarre. The School Liaison Office assists with enrollment.
- Okaloosa County School District — Serves Mary Esther, Fort Walton Beach and Destin; has a Military Families page.
Hurlburt Field School Liaison Office, 117 McMillan Street, Bldg 90304 (850-884-6938)
Things to do near Hurlburt Field
- Emerald Coast beachesoutdoorsWhite-sand Gulf beaches within minutes.
- Santa Rosa MallfamilyShopping center in Fort Walton Beach.
- Destin CommonsfamilyOutdoor shopping and dining complex in Destin.
- Gulf Islands National SeashoreoutdoorsProtected barrier-island beaches west of the base.
- Pensacoladay-tripMuseums and downtown about an hour west.
- Local seafood restaurantsfoodGulf seafood is a staple along the coast.
Realtors & local services
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Local programs & support
- Florida Department of Veterans' AffairsState agency for veteran benefits, Hope Florida navigators and employment resources.
- Hurlburt Field Airman & Family Readiness CenterRelocation help, spouse employment and family programs.
PCS tips for Hurlburt Field
- Contact the housing office early; on-base homes are with The Mayroad.
- Plan for hurricane season and know evacuation routes.
- Summer tourist traffic on US-98 is heavy; test your commute.
- Santa Rosa County is the district west of the base, so check boundaries before choosing a home.
Benefits to use on this move
- Dislocation Allowance (DLA)Service members relocating a household on PCS orders
- Temporary Lodging Expense (TLE)Families who need a hotel or short-term rental while moving within the U.S.
- Personally Procured Move (PPM / DITY)Families who want to move some or all of their own goods
- VA Home Loan GuarantyService members, veterans and some surviving spouses buying a home
- Pet Transportation ReimbursementFamilies moving a cat or dog on PCS orders
- Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military ChildrenSchool-age children of active duty families changing schools
- School Liaison ProgramParents choosing schools and transferring records
Other installations in the Southeast
Last researched 2026-10. Housing partners, school assignments and phone numbers change; confirm with the installation before you sign anything. Spot an error? Send a correction.